H.R. 8217: Next Gen Road Safety Act

This bill, titled the Next Gen Road Safety Act, proposes amendments to existing legislation to enhance law enforcement capabilities regarding high-speed vehicular pursuits. The key components of the bill include the following:

Grant Authorization

The bill seeks to authorize law enforcement agencies to use Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) grants for specific types of equipment and technology aimed at preventing and de-escalating dangerous high-speed chases. This represents a strategic shift towards utilizing advanced tools that could potentially reduce the need for high-speed pursuits, which can be hazardous for both law enforcement officers and the public.

Equipment and Technologies Identified

Under the proposed amendment, law enforcement agencies would be able to procure various types of support systems, including but not limited to:

• Vehicle-disabling systems: Equipment that can disable a fleeing vehicle to safely stop it without the need for a high-speed chase.
• Police bumper systems: Enhancements to police vehicles that allow for safer intervention when pursuing a suspect.
• Drones: Aerial technology to monitor or track suspects without engaging in high-speed pursuits.

Legislative Context

The bill amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968, specifically the section that covers the use of COPS grants. By adding this provision, the legislation aims to modernize law enforcement practices and improve road safety by equipping agencies with tools that help manage high-speed situations more effectively.

Potential Impact

Ultimately, the goal of the Next Gen Road Safety Act is to create safer environments in communities by decreasing the risks associated with high-speed vehicular pursuits, benefiting both law enforcement and the public.

Relevant Companies

• OSIsoft (OSI) - A company that provides data infrastructure solutions which could be relevant if their technology is integrated into law enforcement systems for monitoring and tracking.
• FLIR Systems (FLIR) - A provider of advanced imaging and sensing technologies that could contribute to the equipment upgrades mentioned in the bill.
• DexCom (DXCM) - Although primarily a medical technology company, their expertise in wireless technology could find applications in developing vehicle-disabling systems.